We have our own snorkel gear and was questioning if it's worth taking along on my cruise? Is the cost for rentals ridiculous and is the gear actually decent? Has anyone taken theres along and checked it in there luggage? Any advise would be very helpful!

Dave

03-02-2009 04:19 PM

Bring your own. We do. I don't like using gear that was used by hundreds, if not thousands of others, even if it has been cleaned. Plus you are comfortable with your own gear as far as knowing it's limitations. What's the point of having your own gear if you don't use it?

I also bring my own gear—except for the fins. They are too much weight for packing now that the airlines are charging for each piece of luggage. You can rent swim fins anywhere for about five bucks. There's no way I'd rent a snorkel!

Sonny

Cortney

03-02-2009 06:45 PM

We also like to take our own gear...

Dwayne

03-02-2009 07:06 PM

Welcome to Cruise-Chat!

I take my own too when driving. Even if flying I take my mask and snorkel. Most all of the ship snorkel excursions the gear is included, I take mine anyway.

Dwayne

Deborah803

03-04-2009 11:22 AM

Thanks so much for all the feedback. For sure I will not leave home without my Snorkel Gear Set.

I'm such a planner I would hate not to be fully prepared in advance. I read that alot of the beaches in the Caribbean have alot of sand fleas and you get bitten up pretty good. Is this true? I would bring repellent but I know it's bad for the ocean and the ocean life.

I suppose I will put it on list to bring just in case.. I hate bites!

Thanks again friends for your feedback.
Deborah
Walnut Creek CA

Jim C.

03-04-2009 02:05 PM

We bring our own gear too. But if it comes down to space/weight do what Sonny suggests and just bring snorkel/mask. Rental isn't expensive but...yuck...

As far as sand fleas goes, I've never had a problem with them. We have been to St Thomas, St Marteen, Grand Cayman, Cozumel and Jamaica and Belize. Didn't do a beach thing in Jamaica or Belize but didn't have an issue on any of the others.

Dwayne

03-04-2009 03:47 PM

Quote:

I'm such a planner I would hate not to be fully prepared in advance. I read that alot of the beaches in the Caribbean have alot of sand fleas and you get bitten up pretty good. Is this true? I would bring repellent but I know it's bad for the ocean and the ocean life.

You could try Bull Frog Mosquito Coast. It is a water proof sun block with insect repellent. It is also DEET free. I've been using Bull Frog sun screen since before it was widely available in stores. I haven't had many problems with the sand fleas. The no-see-ums did a number on my legs once though.